Jalaplavit vol 11 no 1_Feb_Mar

Vol.11, No.1 February.-March 2021 ISSN 2321-1881 exploring wetlands Red-eared Slider Turtle Survey of Some Andhra Pradesh Wetlands Unseasonal Sarus Nesting Chambal- A Paradise Where Land Meets Water Idol Immersion in Wetlands Purple Swamphen

Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Jalaplavit, Vol. 11, No. 1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Founding EditoAr: Dr. Ketan Tatu Editorial Dr. Ketan Tatu…………………………………………………………….....................3 Associate Editor: Dr. Amita Tatu Supporting Editor: Mr. Avichal Tatu Survey of Selected Wetlands of Andhra Pradesh Dr. Ashish Jha & Yashvardhan Singh Sengar..............................4 Core Team Invasive Red-eared Slider – A Threat to Native Freshwater Honorary Directors, Foundation for Ecological Turtle Fauna of India Welfare (a not-for-profit Foundation under Dr. Raju Vyas…………………………………………...….............................10 section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 of India) Chambal – A Pradise Where Land Meets Water Priyanka Justa…….............................................................31 Principal Technical Advisor Prof. James T. Anderson, USA Senior Advisor: Dr. Raju Vyas, India Are Our Ancient Man-Made Wetlands Meant for Non-Ecofriendly Idol Immersion? Copy Editing: Priya Ranganathan, USA Sarika and Hardik Manek ...................................................40 Front cover: Red-breasted Goose, Thol Lake Unseasonal Nesting of Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) in Jawla (Picture: Naushad Theba) Wetland of Vadodara District Dr. Anika Tere, Ravi Kelkar and Rushali Narvekar....................45 Back cover: Nymphaea nouchali (Picture: Amita Tatu) Observations on Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) – A Likely Dominance-Fight Behaviour Views expressed by the contributors in Keyur Bhatti and Divya Pillai…………………………..........................55 ‘Jalaplavit’ are not necessarily those of editors. Editors are not responsible for Gatehara: An Industrial Wetland Mayuri Jani………………………………………………………………………….….........59 any kind of plagiarism by any author. Red-breasted Goose in Thol Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat Naushad N. Theba and Irshad N. Theba................................63

Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 EDITORIAL This is one more issue of Source: ndtv.com “Jalaplavit” during the Covid-19 Is there any connection between pandemic in India! Though the cases are Amita Tatu on decline, the virus is still quite active. “Jalaplavit” (ISSN 2321-1881) wishes cyclones and coastal wetlands? Certainly! every reader’s and author’s safe and In fact, they help coastal human societies healthy life in this challenging time. by acting as nature’s shock absorbers. They reduce the speed and height of And we also saw two more storms. Coastal wetlands are natural challenges recently thrown at us by buffers. If we care to manage them nature-the cyclone “Taukte” and the wisely, they reduce people’s exposure to cyclone “Yaas”. The former made a storm surges, floods, drought and landfall on the western coastline of the cyclones. Of course, all wetlands are not country in Gujarat on May 17, 2021 and resistant to all the cyclones. There are the latter rambled our eastern coastline records of mangrove destruction due to by making a landfall in Odisha, on May 26, the cyclones have speeds of over 250 2021. km/hr. Similarly, seagrass beds are also vulnerable to cyclone. - Ketan Tatu 3

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Survey of Selected Wetlands of Andhra Pradesh Ashish Jha1 & Yashvardhan Singh Sengar 1Email: [email protected] During 14th-31st January 2020, we seasonality, present and potential threats, geographical extent of the made field visits to 26 wetlands of water body, land use pattern in the Andhra Pradesh (AP) on behalf of Andhra immediate surroundings etc. This Pradesh Forest Department and WWF project was a collaborative work, Hyderabad. The objective was to involving AP forest department, WWF compile a factsheet on each of the administrative staff, GIS experts and selected wetland as per the field biologists. We were involved in the requirements of the Convention on the field component of this project. In all, Conservation of Migratory Species of 26 wetlands in 12 districts of Andhra Wild Animals (CMS), an international Pradesh were selected by the forest treaty signed by 129 nations, including department. Nine of the 26 wetlands India. This survey was also intended to were dam reservoirs, nine were align with India’s ‘National Action Plan freshwater lakes, six were coastal for Conservation of Migratory Birds and wetlands, and remaining two were city their Habitats along the Central Asian ponds (Figure 1). Considering the time Flyway (2018-2023)’ and generate a limit, we restricted ourselves to making baseline data for the selected wetlands. checklist of notable avian species and The study envisaged to generate a flora found in and around the wetlands, ‘health card’ for the wetlands on the chemical analysis of water and took note basis on various criteria such as species of the anthropogenic pressures on the diversity (notable flora and fauna), wetland. We also surveyed the locals socio-economic and cultural and sought information on any notable significance, water quality and 4

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 wild fauna found around the wetland, recorded several waders and migratory uses of the wetland, seasonality and ducks in the coastal wetlands and fresh source of water in the wetland. We water lakes respectively. Waders were present our key observations in this brief not found along the coastline, rather communication. around the road side puddles and prawn culture ponds near the coastline. Fig 1: Locations of wetlands surveyed. Bottom panel shows pictures of few of the We did not encounter any wetlands. significant mammalian fauna in the wetlands. People reported sightings of Biodiversity Wild Boar in adjoining agricultural fields, there were no reports of Otter, A total of 227 avian species were Crocodile, Indian Rock Python or Fishing recorded from the 26 wetlands and Cat in the surveyed wetlands. We adjacent areas (scrub land, agricultural spotted Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys field, orchards, plantation, fish and punctata) and Indian Black turtle prawn farm). Only nine species of (Melanochelys trijuga) in seven of the 26 conservation concern were recorded wetlands. During the surveys people (Table 1). All the dam reservoirs were reported sighting turtle species in other brimming up to their full capacity, and water bodies as well; however they hence we did not record much diversity could not tell if there were different of migratory birds since they prefer species. habitats with shallow waters and abundant aquatic vegetation. Also, we In all, we recorded 126 species of did not record any significant avian various aquatic and land plants in and species in the city water bodies. We around 26 wetlands. We recorded 29 species of hydrophytes (Table 2), mostly from the freshwater lakes, while remaining floral species were common weeds and tree species along the banks. 5

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Table 1: List of globally threatened/near Table 2: List of hydrophytes found in and threatened birds found in and around the around the surveyed wetlands. surveyed wetlands. S.no Species Species IUCN status 1. Ipomoea carnea 2. Aponogeton appendiculatus Black-bellied tern (Sterna Endangered 3. Bacopa monnieri 4. Canavalia rosea acuticauda) 5. Eichhornia crassipes 6. Hydrilla verticillata Alexandrine Parakeet Near 7. Hydrocharis dubia 8. Ipomoea aquatica (Psittacula eupatria)* Threatened 9. Lemna minor 10. Ludwigia sp. Black-headed Ibis Near 11. Marsilea quadrifolia 12. Merremia hederaceae (Threskiornis Threatened 13. Myriophyllum spicatum 14. Najas marina melanocephalus) 15. Najas minor 16. Neptunia prostrata Black-tailed Godwit Near 17. Nymphaea nouchali 18. Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea (Limosa limosa) Threatened 19. Nymphaea sp. 20. Nymphoides indica Oriental Darter (Anhinga Near 21. Ottelia alismoides 22. Ottelia alisnoides melanogaster) Threatened 23. Pistia stratiotes 24. Potamogeton sp. Painted Stork (Mycteria Near 25. Salvinia natans 26. Typha angustifoila leucocephala) Threatened 27. Typha domingensis 28. Utricularia aurea River Tern (Sterna aurantia) Near 29. Veronica anagallis-aquatica Threatened Spot-billed Pelican Near (Pelecanus philippensis) Threatened Woolly-necked Stork Vulnerable (Ciconia episcopus) * Terrestrial species 6

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Threats There were several prawn and fish farms across the coastal regions. We could not make an extensive During surveys we were informed that assessment and quantify specific threats many such new ponds have been faced by each of the wetland due to constructed recently due to rise in time constraint. However, we recorded demand for prawns and exotic fishes. It few practices which could be potential is certainly a profitable business and has threat in long run. positive impact on the lives of people living in coastal areas. However, During surveys we did not come extensive use of antibiotic and caustic across any report of hunting of wild birds soda used in such culture ponds can or turtles. We were informed that locals severely affect the adjacent wetland in do not consume turtles or wild caught long run. Also, reclamation of wetland birds. land (flood plains and coastal lagoons) to build prawn/fish pond is a major threat Land around the Dam reservoirs to these coastal wetlands. was being extensively used for farming of cash crops (such as cocoa, coconut, The city lakes were heavily lemon, palm oil), rice paddy and polluted with domestic waste and were orchards. We believe the runoff of laden with exotic and invasive fertilizers and pesticides from the vegetation. However, we are very agricultural land could affect the positive that such city ponds can adjoining wetland and requires further rejuvenated and promoted as venues for studies. bird walks or nature trails. Since, everyone does not get the opportunity Most of the large wetlands such as to visit forests or major wetlands, such coastal areas, dam reservoirs and the city ponds can be venues to educate and backwaters were not delimited. We sensitize the masses about wildlife. believe clear demarcation of protected area and private land would help Coastal swamps, mangroves and prevent encroachment and effectively tidal creeks have a delicate ecosystem manage the wetlands designated for where in rivers drain fresh water into conservation. 7

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 these areas and ocean tides bring in the Suggestions brackish water. When the rivers and canals near the coastline are diverted Assessment of resource for agriculture purposes and fish utilization by humans, routine water rearing, it severely reduces the flow of quality test and test of salinity in case freshwater into the wetlands and leads of brackish water, restoring inflow of to built up of salinity. This is expected fresh water to coastal swamps, control to affect the health of wetlands and the of invasive water hyacinth must be species which thrives in such wetlands. taken up in all the wetlands to maintain these wetlands in good health. Long Most of the floral species we term study involving bird ringing would recorded in the wetlands were exotic assist in keeping track of the winged and invasive. Ipomoea spp. Was the visitors. Being vagile, birds are great most common, widespread and indicators of the health of our conspicuous invasive species. However, ecosystem. Rise in bird diversity in the besides other avian species, we habitat is the best test of the recorded multiple pairs of Grey Heron, effectiveness of the conservation Common Coot, Purple Heron, and Indian measures. However, the most important Cormorant nesting and roosting amongst activity to be taken across the wetlands Ipomoea thickets. Water hyacinth was is sensitization of the masses living another abundant exotic species, but it around these wetlands. A culture which doesn’t appear to have any positive upholds the guest to the stature of God, impact on the biodiversity and poses a must realize that migratory birds are our threat to the wetlands. guests too. We must extend our hospitality to these guests which have Release of untreated household been flying into our lands every winter waste in the wetland near human for thousands of years. This grandiose habitation was observed and silt legacy must continue unabated for our deposition due to water inflow from coming generations to witness. canals was reported by the people. 8

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Acknowledgments exercise and for providing all logistic support. We thank all the concerned We extend warmest gratitude to DFOs and Dr Karthikeyan Vasudevan, D. Nalini Mohan, PCCF (WL), Andhra Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-CCMB, Pradesh and Ms Farida Tampal, State for their cooperation during the survey. Director, WWF-India, Hyderabad for covering the expenses of the field About the Authors Ashish Jha is PhD (Ornithology) from CCMB Hyderabad. He worked on evolution, climatic niche and population genetics of Yellow-throated Bulbul for his PhD research. He is currently working as Research Associate in Kerala Bird Atlas project at Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur. Yashvardhan Singh Sengar is Msc (Wildlife Management) and Bsc (Forestry). He has worked on spatial ecology of primates, feral dog-wildlife interactions, and barcoding of commercial and medicinal flora. His long-term research interests are in community and behavioural ecology. 9

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Invasive Red-eared Slider - A Threat to Native Freshwater Turtle Fauna of India Raju Vyas Email: [email protected] Hatchlings of Red-eared Slider [Trachemys scripta elegans] Abstract: Indian turtle fauna is one of the richest and most diversified turtle faunae in the world. It consists of about 34 species that include 25 freshwater, 5 marine and 4 land reptiles. About 73.5% of these Indian turtles prefer various types of lotic and lentic habitats. At large, the turtle fauna of India has been facing tremendous impacts posed by various abiotic and biotic threats. Moreover, an invasive turtle such as Red-eared Slider/Red-eared Terrapin (Trachemys scripta elegans) has been adding more to the Indian turtle conservation challenge. Recent reports show that this invasive alien species is present in various aquatic ecosystems like lakes, pounds, tanks and rivers of nine (32%) Indian states. The feeding habits of this invasive turtle in nature is quite similar to the one observed in the captivity. This species feeds on plants and some animal matter. It is very aggressive by nature and devours hatchlings, sub-adults and adults of two native turtles; the Indian Roofed Turtle (Pangshura tecta) and Indian Flap-shell Turtle (Lissemys punctata). Freshwater ecosystems in India have been facing woeful situations resulting into disturbing scenarios for the extant native freshwater turtles. 10

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 The native flora and fauna have came up with the need to address the ecology of biological invasions (Drake been facing diverse and intense et al., 1989). threats, including the rising impact on invasive species (Verneau et al., 2011; The best example of native Patel et al., 2015; Marchetti & flora and fauna facing great threat Engstrom, 2016). Globally, many from invasive species is the biota of countries have been losing their the Gum Island and the Andaman natural and endemic biological Islands. The Gum Island loses its native diversity due to the presence of biodiversity due to invasive Brown tree multiple invasive species (Lowe et al., snake (Boiga irregularis) which was 2000; Gracia-Diaz et al., 2016; accidently introduced there (Lowe et Stanford et al., 2020). al., 2000). The Andaman Islands, have also been losing native terrestrial and The term ‘invasive’ or ‘exotic’ freshwater biodiversity due to non- is used to refer to all those species native species like Common Myna which are known to flourish rapidly (Acridotheres tristis), House Sparrow outside their native distribution range. (Passer domesticus), the giant African They are able to thrive in the foreign snail (Achatina fulica) and number of territories and invade newer and fishes (Mohanty et al., 2018; Kiruba- newer non-native(foreign) regions. Sankar et al., 2018). Remarkably, all The International Union for these non-native species were Conservation of Nature and Natural introduced in the foreign lands owing Resources (IUCN) identifies “Invasive to a variety of anthropogenic Alien Species” (IAS) as an alien species activities. which becomes established in natural or semi-natural ecosystems or habitat, Invasive alien species (IAS) have as an agent of change, and threatens resulted in major impacts on native biological diversity (Lowe et biodiversity at a global scale. At least al., 2000). IAS remained a neglected 39% of the species extinctions during subject until 1982, when the General the past 400 years are due to IAS Assembly of Scientific Committee on (www.indiaenvironmentportal.org Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) .in/node/38152). 11

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 For the first time in India, this An Invasive Turtle Species issue was discussed and addressed properly as a national concern in the The Red-eared Slider is a year 1989 (Ramkrishnan, 1991). Zoological Survey of India (ZSI, 2017) medium-sized (carapace length grows compiled a list of total 157 invasive species in India, of which 58 were up to 30 cm), semi-aquatic turtle, either terrestrial or freshwater species, while the remaining 99 were currently recognized as having three their marine counterparts. Further breaking down these 58 invasive sub-species, including T. s. scripta species found on land and freshwater, 19 species were fishes, 31 species were (Schoepff, 1792), T. s. troostii arthropods, 1 was reptile, 2 were mammals and rest were molluscs and (Holbrook, 1836) and T. s. elegans birds. (Wied, 1838); the last sub-species has However, this listing did not lead towards formulation of any noteworthy presence in Indian Pet exclusive legislation and policy across India to deal with the negative impact Market, even in Gujarat State (Vyas, exerted by any invasive alien species. As of now, due to lack of legislation 2019). The native habitat of T. scripta and policies, India continues to be a thriving import market for many exotic is Mississippi River Valley in the United plants (Reddy, 2008; Mandal, 2011) and animals (Ramsay et al., 2007; States of America with a broader Sandilyan, 2016; Mendiratta et al., 2017; Kiruba-Sankar et al., 2018) distribution between Texas in the including Red-eared Slider (or Red- eared Terrapin) Trachemys scripta South and Illinois in the North (Ernst & elegans (Fig. 1). Lovich, 2009; Rhodin & Carr, 2009; Powell et al., 2016). Every year, many USA based breeding farms export millions of individuals to countries like Korea, Japan, Thailand, some countries in Southern Africa and Europe, either for the pet trade or religious consumerism practices such as “Mercy Ceremony” (CITES Trade Database: http://www.cites.org, Telecky, 2001). Turtle farms in many Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and China are blooming steadily due to the growing demand (Ramsay et al., 2007; Shi et al., 2008). 12

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Invasive Turtle Feeding Habits Ramsay et al., 2007). This world-wide T. scripta species is an distribution of the species is primarily due to pet trade, through which live omnivorous feeder and feeds on specimens have escaped accidently or animal and plant matter, both, by intentionally (Ng et al., 2005; depending on size and sex (Ernst & Ramsay et al., 2007; Singh, 2015; Lovich, 2009). Its feeding habits tend Stanford et al., 2020). As a result, its to undergo an ontogenetic shift from a distribution is spread across all mostly carnivorous diet in smaller size continents except Antarctica (Kruas, classes to mostly herbivorous in larger 2009). The naturalized population of size classes. However, these turtles the species has been recorded from at are known to be opportunistic feeders. least 73 countries and overseas As for juvenile turtles, a protein-rich territories, in Europe, Africa, Asia, prey may allow better growth Australia, Central and North America, (Bouchard & Bjorndal, 2006). South America and Oceania (Lever, Interestingly, T. scripta in the larger 2003; Scalera, 2006; Pupins, 2007; size class shifts to more animal food Kraus, 2009; Kikillus et al., 2010; (e.g crayfish Procambarus clarkia and Ficetola et al., 2012; van Dijk et al., Snails Pomacea sp.) and less plant 2013; Uetz et al., 2020). This species (Commelina diffusa) food (Works & is now fairly widespread in many Asian Olson, 2018). The higher proportion of countries (Chen, 2006; Ramsay et al., protein from prey seems to be 2007); one of the fundamental reasons necessary for egg production. Larger why IUCN has identified and listed this T. scripta consume a larger proportion species as one of world’s top 100 worst of animal matter in their diet, (most) invasive animals (Lowe et al., especially females; therefore, having 2000). Numerous studies have the potential to cast a greater impact reported that the invasive Red-eared on native species (Works & Olson, Sliders are able to breed successfully 2018). in their newer habitats (Arvy & Servan Invasive Species & Global 1998; Cadi & Joly, 2004; Shi et al., Situations 2004; Sin et al., 2008; Perez-Santigosa et al., 2008; Kikillus et al., 2010; Presently, T. scripta is one of Ficetola et al., 2012) with consequent the most widely distributed turtle species across the globe (Lever, 2003; 13

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 threat of outcompeting indigenous (Purkayastha et al., 2020), but its species (Cadi & Joly, 2004). distribution in India is estimated to be Invasive Species in India wider than the occurrences cited in the published literature. This being a very popular turtle species, it is kept in captivity by many A recent study indicates the household aquarists, private hobbyists widespread presence of this invasive as also some ex situ conservation species across the Gujarat state. Vyas facilities (zoos). The private dealers (2019) recorded this alien turtle and zoos have been maintaining a species inhabiting and well established breeding population for sale and in various parts of the state in over exhibition purpose across the country. three dozen wetlands of the state. The Every year, good number of individuals species’ presence was observed across of this turtle species are imported or all five biogeographic zones in water smuggled to India (Mukherjee, 2013). bodies of 18 out of the 33 districts, The presence of the species in India including village ponds, lakes, and was first noted in scientific literature rivers (Tapti, Vishwamitri, Sabarmati) without any further detail (Pupins, of Gujarat. Earlier reports of this 2007). This species is now well species included records from the established in many wetlands across Malan River, Bhavnagar District Indian states, including Maharashtra (Munjpara, 2014) and Gomti temple (Goenka, 2013; Kunju, 2014; Telang, tank of Dakor, Anand District (Vyas, 2016; Chatterjee, 2018), Karnataka 2015). (Chetan, 2013), Gujarat (Munjpara, Consequences of Invasive Species 2014; Vyas, 2015; Patel & Vyas, 2019), Telangana (Reddy, 2016), Chandigarh, The intensity and extent of (Singh, 2015), West Bengal impact caused by this exotic invasive (Bandyopadhyay, 2015; Choudhuri et turtle species on endemic Indian al., 2018), Goa (Jadhav et al., 2018a) fauna, especially native turtle fauna, Rajasthan (in Vyas, 2019) and Assam is yet unknown. Nonetheless, studies from the other countries regarding the 14

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Raju Vyas Fig. 1: A female Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). impacts of invasive turtles on the native turtle populations remains native fauna are available (Cadi & unknown and will require further Joly, 2003, 2004; Pupins, 2007; Polo- research (Vyas, 2019). Cavia et al., 2008; Martins et al., 2014; Moradi & Rastegar-Pouyani, 2015; Therefore, a study was then Pearson et al., 2015; Stanford et al., carried out to investigate its behaviour 2020). Likewise, an in-depth study and interactions with native turtle from India, gauging the consequences species in captive conditions. This non- of this invasive species and its native turtle species was found to be interaction with native fauna-flora, awfully aggressive and predatory by needs to be carried out urgently nature, preying on fishes (Ma & Shi, (Jadhav et al., 2018a; Choudhuri et 2017), frogs, and possibly other turtles al., 2018; Patel & Vyas, 2019). too (Polo-Cavia et al., 2010). Although these invasive species Moreover, the turtle was also found to undoubtedly compete for spatial and have killed a waterbird (Ligon, 2007). trophic resources, the nature and Some predatory activities victimizing a extent of the impact of sliders on the native turtle species (L. puncatata) were recorded at the Temple tank of 15

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Malleswaram, Bangalore, India Demkowska-Kutrzepa et al., 2018; (Chetan, 2013). Shen et al., 2011), including Such observations/records Salmonella. Salmonella provide evidences of risks to native contaminations in water infect human animals by this invasive turtle species, populations with bacterial diseases viz. T. scripta elegans. Their existence that cause diarrhea, severe stomach- in the same environment due to the ache and fever (Shen et al., 2011; practice of keeping T. scripta elegans Chiacchio et al., 2014). in captivity is unsustainable. Mermin et al. (2004) stated Some studies evidently denote ‘every year about 1.4 million how non-native invasive species have a Americans are infected with stark negative impact on the native Salmonella by handling pet reptiles turtle fauna, not only in terms of including T. scripta. The captive competing for resources such as shared reptiles in homes are known to host habitat, basking sites (Cadi & Joly, higher percentages of Salmonella, thus 2003; Kaltenegger, 2006; Polo-Cavia et being conducive carriers as compared al., 2010), food (Stanford et al., 2020) to mammals and birds (Goppee et al., etc., but also adversely affecting the 2000). newer recruitment of hatchlings, by Turtle Fauna in the Country and predation of fresh hatchlings and Refraction of Invasive Species juveniles of native species. It also Freshwater turtles are a crucial probably contributes towards part of biodiversity of aquatic transmitting diseases and pathogens ecosystems, aiding other animals and onto the native turtle populations. plants by scavenging on dead animals Invasive turtle species such as T. and plants sharing the ecosystems. scripta are also notoriously identified They not only form a major component as a foremost potential carrier of of freshwater biomass, but they also various parasites and pathogens contribute to the formation of food (Verneau et al., 2011; Meyer et al., web and assist co-dependent species in 2015; Heritier et al., 2017; an aquatic ecosystem. 16

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Raju Vyas Fig. 2: A victim hatchling of Indian Roofed Turtle (Pangshura tecta). Gripped in the jaws of a large female Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). Raju Vyas Fig. 3: A victim hatchling of Indian Roofed Turtle (Pangshura tecta) gripped in the jaws of a large female Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). 17

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Such behaviour and nature of a inhabiting fresh water turtle fauna, non-native turtle species is a serious too. At large, the turtle fauna of India threat to the existing native aquatic is facing tremendous impacts posed by life in these ponds (Chetan, 2013). A various abiotic and biotic threats, and recent study demonstrated that the such invasive species are adding more invasive Red-eared Slider aggressively to their problem. In absence of law and attacks Indian Flap-shell Turtle regulation for importing live animals in (Lissemys punctata) and Indian Roofed India is adding further one more threat Turtle (Pangshura tecta) and devour to turtle fauna of India. them (Fig. 2,3 & 4), especially victimizing hatchlings and juveniles In the recent past, many (Vyas, 2020). conservation agencies have attempted Recent Study & Invasive Species in several conservation actions plans and India awareness program for citizenries to revive the declining population in the The Indian turtle fauna includes wild (Mendiratta et al., 2017). 34 species of turtles and tortoises, of Further, it was noticed that, the state which 13 species (38.24%) are government and non-government classified as Critically Endangered (CE) agencies often rescued the confiscated or Endangered (EN), 14 species turtles from poachers and merchants (41.18%) as Vulnerable (VU) and (Mendiratta et al., 2017). However, remaining 7 species (20.59%) are the enforcement agencies confronted categorized as Lower Risk (LR) or Least several challenges while releasing the Concern (LC) as per IUCN Red List of seized turtles into suitable natural Threatened Species (Aengals et al., settings (Kundu et al., 2018). Hence, 2018). before releasing them back into their suitable wild habitat, it is necessary to However, Indian turtle fauna evaluate their genetic signature as faces various anthropogenic threats. well as health related issues, but in These threats include habitat loss, many cases noted that the alteration of habitat, pollution and enforcement agencies fail to basic trade. The fresh water ecosystems in protocols and without testing of India have been facing miserable genetic signatures, health and even situations (Sandilyan, 2016), resulting though proper identification of the in disturbing scenarios for the 18

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 species or without protocols it andersoni in West Bengal (Choudhuri, released in nature (Vyas, 2019). 2018); Melanochelys trijuga and Lissemys punctata in Goa (Jadhav, Present situation of widely 2018b) and Lissemys punctata, distributed of Red-eared Slider Nilssonia gangetica and Pangshura (Trachemys scripta elegans) in various tecta in Gujarat (Vyas, 2019). All of habitat of across the India, being an these native turtle species are invasive turtle species with in fresh protected under Indian Wildlife water ecosystems is most probably (Protection) Act, 1972 as Schedule I results of totally absent of protocols, animals or in other categories. legislative rules and legal regulations framework for invasive animals. The introduction of T. scripta, in the wetlands across the country is Thus, this study is clearly solely a side-effect of malpractices indicated it is most urgent associated with the pet trade, either requirements of designs a formula for due to intentional or accidental guideline for pet trade and protocol releases. It is a well-established fact for disposing of confiscated non- that several such non-native turtles resident invasive animal species (See are released into the wild by study: Vyas, 2019: in the most of case hobbyists, NGOs and even State Forest such invasive turtle was released in Departments (Vyas, 2019). A common nature by state forest department), on ‘Jiv Daya’ (i.e. compassion towards line of invasive alien plants of India for living beings) belief prevalent among management (Sandilyan et al., 2018). laymen, especially in the states like Epilogue Gujarat work in favour of such invasive species. Records of the presence of this non-native turtle species T. scripta Analysis of diet is a crucial elegans in freshwater ecosystems from criterion in knowing the ecological almost nine (35%) different Indian impact of any such non-native species states, indicate shared lotic and lentic and to investigate its predatory habitats with one, two or more native influences on native ecosystems. species such as Lissemys punctata 19

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Raju Vyas Fig. 4: Sharp and powerful jaws and claws of a Red-eared Slider (T. scripta elegans) capable of cutting and tearing young hatchlings of other native turtles. Specifically, their interactions by Kiruba-Sankar et al. (2018). with native mugger crocodile Growing presence of such non-native Crocodylus palustris (Fig. 5) because invasive species (Sandilyan, 2016; ZSI, any non-native herpetofauna has an 2017), especially large carnivorous immediate effect on the dynamics of fishes (Arapaima Arapaima gigas and an ecosystem, through direct Alligator gar, Atractosteus spatula [Bij predation and loss of native diversity Kumar et al., 2019]) and turtles (T. [(as for Gum Island (Savidge, 1988), scripta [See: Vyas, 2019]) is alarming Hawaii (Beard, 2007; Holland et al., and detrimental for our fresh water 2010) and Australia (Shine, 2010)], ecosystems. It needs to be identified competition for dietary and spatial as a rising threat, challenging the resources (Wang et al., 2013; Doody et diversity and richness of all indigenous al., 2015; Rogers et al., 2017), and fresh water ecosystems. An imminent other indirect effects. and detailed research inquiry The presence of invasive fish in India addressing the same issue, would thus, and its consequences on native fish simplify the relevance of legislative fauna is well explored and presented rules and regulations. 20

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 The India reptilian fauna persistent unwillingness to develop consists of over 572 species, including and adopt appropriate rescue-release crocodilians (3 species), turtles and protocols, absence of captive facilities tortoise (34 species), lizards (231 for rescued or confiscated animals, species) and snakes (304 species). also adds to the problem. (Aengals et al., 2018). According to Consequently, the process of Iverson (1992), India hosts the richest determining the severity of any impact diversity of turtles in the world, with caused by this invasive species (on the 34 species of Chelonians 25 native fauna and environment) should freshwater, five marine and four land be treated with utmost priority, tortoises (Fritz & Havas, 2007). About backed up with substantial research 73.5% of these Indian turtles prefer and findings. As of now, a detailed various types of lotic and lentic research warranting such human- habitats. The fresh water ecosystem in mediated dispersal of globally India, is facing woeful situations identified invasive non-native species, (Sandilyan, 2016), resulting in is inevitable for the development of a disturbing scenarios for the inhabiting holistic conservation policy for the fresh water turtle fauna, too. At large, Indian turtle fauna. the turtle fauna of India is facing tremendous impacts posed by various The presence of such an abiotic and biotic threats (Singh et al., invasive carnivorous turtle species (T. 2009; Chandra et al., 2017), and such scripta) and various types of fishes, invasive species are adding more to including large voracious predators their dilemma. like Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) and Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) is With such imminent threats to an invisible threat for Indian fresh the native fauna, and in the absence of water ecosystem. Its high time, that necessary guidelines or protocols this threat needs attention, for we are pertaining to rescue and rehabilitation very close to losing our rich fresh of confiscated or rescued non-native water diversity. It is a universally animals, there arises a disturbing lapse established fact, that alien species in the mission of conservation. evidently disturb the delicate balance Unfortunately, in addition to this of native ecosystems and therefore 21

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 cause drastic or severe changes to gar in the rivers of Kerala. Current environments. Either purposefully or Science, 116(10) :1628-1630. accidentally, all biological invasions are considered a major threat to Bouchard, S. S. and K.A. Bjorndal. biodiversity, second only to the (2006). Ontogenetic diet shifts and destruction of natural environment digestive constraints in the omnivorous (Vitousek et al., 1997). freshwater turtle Trachemys scripta. Physiological and Biochemical References Zoology: Ecological and Evolutionary Approaches, 79:150–158. Aengals, R., Sathish Kumar, V.M., Palot, M.J. and S.R. Ganesh. (2018). A Cadi, A. and P. Joly. (2003). Checklist of Reptiles of India. 35 pp. Competition for basking places Version 3.0. Online publication is between the endangered European available at www.zsi.gov.in (Last pond turtle (Emys orbicularis update: May 2018). galloitalica) and the introduced Red- eared Slider (Trachemys scripta Arvy, C. and J. Servan. (1998). elegans). Canadian Journal of Zoology, Imminent competition between 81:1392–1398. doi:10.1139/z03-108. Trachemys scripta and Emys orbicularis in France. Proceedings of Cadi, A. and P. Joly. (2004). Impact of The Emys Symposium, Dresden 96. pp. the introduction of the Red-eared 33-40. Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) on survival rates of the European pond Bandyopadhyay, K. (2015). Exotic turtle (Emys orbicularis). Biodiversity turtle found in Rajarhat waterbody. and Conservation, 13: 2511–2518. The Times of India, Kolkata. <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com Chandra, K., Gopi, K.C., Rao, D.V., /city/kolkata/Exotic-turtle-found-in- Subramanian, K.A., and K. Valarmathi. Rajarhatwaterbody/articleshow/4856 (2017). Current Status on Freshwater 4218.cms> Faunal Diversity of India – An Overview. :1-25. In: Kailash Chandra, Beard, K.H. (2007). Diet of the Gopi, K.C., Rao, D.V., Valarmathi, K. invasive frog, Eleutherodactylus and Alfred, J.R.B., (Ed.) 2017. Current coqui, in Hawaii. Copeia, 2:281-291 Status of Freshwater Faunal Diversity in India: Director, Zoological Survey of Bij Kumar, A., Raj, S., Arjun, C.P, India, Kolkata. 625pp. Kathvate, U. and R. Raghavan. (2019). Jurassic invaders: flood-associated Chaudhuri, A., Banerjee, A., occurrence of arapaima and alligator Chowdhury, S. and K. Deuti. (2018). Report of Red-eared Slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) from a wetland near Kolkata, West Bengal, 22

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 India. The Herpetological Bulletin, K., Abbas, Z. and P. Rózanski. (2018). 146: 41-42 A review of the helminths co- introduced with Trachemys scripta Chatterjee, B. (2018). 65 exotic turtles elegans – a threat to European native have made 122-year-old pond at turtle health. Amphibia-Reptilia Mumbai’s Juhu temple their home. < (2018). https://www.hindustantimes.com/mu mbai-news/65-exotic-turtles-have- Drake, A.J, Mooney, H.A., Castri, Di. made-122-year-old-pond-at-mumbai- Groves, F., Kruger, F.J. and M. s-juhu-temple-their-home/story- Williason. (1989). Biological Invasions: jjLOsibuinG89bWC3fkWAI.html > A Global Perspective (SCOPE 37). Biometrics 47. 10.2307/2532533. Chetan, R. (2013). Water wars reason for turtle deaths. Bangalore Mirror, Doody, J. S., Soanes, R., Castellano, Bangalore, India. C.M., Rhind, D., Ggreen, B., Mchenry, <https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes. C.R. and S. Clulow. (2015). Invasive com/bangalore/others/Indian-Pond- toads shift predator-prey densities in Terrapin-Indian-Flapshell-turtles- animal communities by removing top Dakshinamukha-Nanditheertha- predators. Ecology, 96:2544–2554. templeMalleswarams-Kadu- Malleshwara-temple-BBMP- Ernst, C.H. and J.E. Lovich. (2009). wildlife/articleshow/26428674.cms>. Turtles of the United States and Canada, 2en ed. John Hopkins Chen, T.H. (2006). Distribution and University Press, Baltimore. 840pp. status of the introduced Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) in Ficetola, G.F., Rödder D. and E. Taiwan. In: Koike F, Clout MN, Padoa-Schioppa. (2012). Trachemys Kawamichi M, De Poorter M, Iwatsuki K scripta (Slider terrapin), pp. 331-339. (Eds) Assessment and Control of In: Francis, R. (Eds.), Handbook of Biological Invasion Risks. Shoukadoh global freshwater invasive species. Book Sellers, Kyoto and IUCN, Gland, Earthscan, Taylor & Francis Group 187–195. Abingdon, UK. Chiacchio, R. G., Penido Jr, G.N., de Fritz, U. and P. Havas. (2007). Souza, C.AI., Prioste, F.E.S., Prado, Checklist of Chelonians of the world. M.S., Kno, T., Menao, M.C. and E.R. Vertebrate Zoology, 57(2): 149–368. Matushima. (2014). Enterobacterial colonization in captive Red-eared Gopee, N.V., Adesiyum A.A. and K. Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). Caesar. (2000). Retrospective and Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, longitudinal study of salmonellosis in 45(4): 919–921 captive wildlife in Trinidad, Journal of Demkowska-Kutrzepa, M., Studzinska, Wildlife Diseases, 36(2): 284-293 M., Rocze´n-Karczmarz, M., Tomczuk, PMid:10813610 23

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Goenka, K. (2013). There’s something invasive species Red-eared Slider, Trachemys scripta elegans in Goa, fishy going on in Powai lake: Foreign India. NeBIO, 9 (2): 177-179. fish making a meal of their native cousins. DNA, Mumbai, India. Jadhav, T.D., Sawant N.S. and S.K. Shyama. (2018b). Diversity and <https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai distribution of freshwater turtles (Reptilia: Testudines) in Goa, India. /report-there-s-something-fishy- Journal of Threatened Taxa, 10: 12194–12202. going-on-in-powai-lake-foreign-fish- making-a-meal-of-their-native- cousins-1878066 >. Heritier, L., Aitor Valdeon, A., Sadaoui, T., Gendre, S., Ficheux, S., Kaltenegger, D. (2006). Die heimische Bouamer, N., Kechemir-Issad, L., Europäische Sumpfschildkröte (Emys Preez, Du., Palacios, C. and O. orbicularis) und die zunehmende Verneau. (2017). Introduction and Problematik durch illegal ausgesetzte invasion of the Red-eared Slider and its Rotwangen-Schmuckschildkröten parasites in freshwater ecosystems of (Trachemys scripta elegans). Southern Europe: risk assessment for Österreichs Fischerei, 59:93–97. (In the European pond turtle in wild Germany). environments. Biodiversity Conservation, 26:1817–1843. Kikillus, K. H., Hare, K. H. and S. Hartley. (2010) Minimizing false- Holland, B. S., Montgomery, S.L. and negatives when predicting the V. Costello. (2010). A reptilian smoking potential distribution of an invasive gun: first record of invasive Jackson’s species: A bioclimatic envelope for the chameleon (C. jacksonii) predation on Red-eared Slider at global and regional native Hawaiian species. Biodiversity scales. Animal Conservation, 13(suppl. Conservation, 19:1437–1441. 1): 5–15. Holbrook, J. E. (1836). North American Kiruba-Sankar, R., Praveen Raj, J., Herpetology; or, a Description of the Saravanan, K., Lohith Kumar, K. Reptiles Inhabiting the United States. Raymond Jani Angel, J., Velmurugan, Ed. 1, Vol. 1. Philadelphia, PA: J. A., and S. Dam Roy. (2018). Invasive Dobson, 120 pp Species in Freshwater Ecosystems- Threats to Ecosystem Services. 257- Iverson, J.B. (1992). A Revised 296. In. Eds. Sivaperuman, C.A., A. Checklist with Distribution Maps of Velmurugan, A. Sing & I. Jaisankar. II. The Turtles of The World. Privately Biodiversity of tropical Islands. Printed, Richmond, Indiana, 363pp. Academic Press. 805pp. Jadhav, T.D., Sawant N.S. and S.K. Kraus, F. (2009). Alien Reptiles and Shyama. (2018a). First report on Amphibians: A Scientific Compendium presence and status of introduced and Analysis, Invading Nature - 24

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Springer Series in Invasion Ecology, 1st ecology, vol 13. Springer, Singapore, ed. Dordrecht, Netherlands 49–76. Springer.563pp. Mandal, F.B. (2011). The management Kundu, S., Kumar, V., Tyagi, K. and K. of alien species in India. International Chandra. (2018). Environmental DNA Journal of Biodiversity and (eDNA) testing for detection of Conservation, 3(9): 467-473. freshwater turtles in a temple pond. Herpetol. Notes, 11: 1-3. Marchetti, M. P. and T. Engstrom. (2016). The conservation paradox of Kunju, S.S. (2014). Indian Flap-shell endangered and invasive species. Turtle and Red eared Slider turtle Conservation Biology, 30:434–437. rescued at Bhandup. PAWS–Mumbai Press Kit Update, Mumbai, India. < Martins, R.A., Assalim A.M. and F. de http://pawsmumbaipresskitupdate. Barros Molina. (2014). The presence of blogspot.com/2014/08/indian- the Red-eared Slider, Trachemys flapshell-turtle-and-red-eared.html>. scripta elegans (Wied, 1838) (Testudines, Emydidae), an invasive Lever, C. (2003). Naturalized Reptiles species, in the Paraibuna river basin, and Amphibians of the World. Oxford South eastern Brazil. Herpetology University Press Inc., New York, NY. Notes, 7: 437-441. 338pp. Mendiratta, U., Sheel,V. and S. Singh. Ligon, D. B. (2007). Trachemys scripta (2017). Enforcement seizures reveal elegans (Red-eared Slider) predation. large-scale illegal trade in India’s Herpetological Review, 38:201–202. tortoises and freshwater turtles. Biological Conservation, 207: 100–105. Lowe, S., Browne M., Boudjelas S. and M. De Poorter. (2000). 100 of the Mermin, J., Hutwager L., Vugia D., World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species A selection from the Global Invasive Shallow S., Daily P., Bender J., Koehler Species Database. Published by The Invasive Species Specialist Group J., Marcus R., Angulo F.J. and for the (ISSG) a specialist group of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the World Emerging Infections Program Food Net Conservation Union (IUCN), 12pp. Working Group. (2004). Reptiles, Ma, K. and H. Shi. (2017). Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans Amphibians, and Human Salmonella (Wied-Neuwied). In: Wan F, Jiang M, Zhan A (Eds) Biological invasions and Infection: A Population-Based, Case- its management in China. Invading nature – Springer series in invasion Control Study, Clinical Infectious Diseases, 38(3): S253-S261 PMid:15095197 Moradi, N. and N. Rastegar-Pouyani. (2015). Biological Aggression of the Introduced Red-eared Slider, Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied, 25

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 1939) (Testudines: Emydidae) in Iran. Patel, H. and R. Vyas. (2019). Reptiles Russian Journal of Herpetology, 22(2): of Gujarat, India: Updated Checklist, 133-135. Distribution and Conservation Status. Herpetology Notes, 12: 765-777. Mohanty, N.P., Sachin, A., Selvaraj, G. Pearson, S.H., Avery, H.W. and J.R. and K. Vasudevan. (2018). Using public Spotila. (2015). Juvenile invasive Red- eared Slider turtles negatively impact surveys to reliably and rapidly the growth of native turtles: Implications for global freshwater estimate the distributions of multiple turtle populations. Biological Conservation, 186 (2015): 115–121. invasive species on the Andaman Perez-Santigosa, N., Florencio, M., archipelago. Biotropica The Hidalgo-Vila, J. and D.C. Diazpaniagua. (2011). Does the exotic Association for Tropical Biology and invader turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans, compete for food with Conservation :1-5. coexisting native turtles? Amphibia- Reptilia, 32:167–175. Mukherjee, K. (2013). Turtle that Polo-Cavia, N., López, P. and J. inspired Ninja cartoon smuggled as Martín. (2008). Interspecific differ- ences in responses to predation risk pet. The Times of India. Retrieved may confer competitive advantages to invasive freshwater turtle species. from: < Ethology, 114: 115-123. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ Polo-Cavia N, Gonzalo A, López, P. and J. Martín. (2010). Predator recognition city/kolkata/Turtle-that-inspired- of native but not invasive turtle predators by naïve anuran tadpoles. Ninja-cartoon-smuggled-as- Animal Behaviour, 80: 461–466. pet/articleshow/21178481.cms > Powell, R., Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. (2016). Peterson Field Guide to Munjpura, S. (2014). Will the Exotic Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta and Central North America. 4th elegans Become Invasive in India?. edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Jalaplavit, 5 (2): 47-48. Boston, Massachusetts. 512pp. Pupins, M. (2007). First report on Meyer, L., Du Preez, L., Verneau, O., recording of the invasive species Bonneau, E and L. Héritier. (2015). Parasite host-switching from the 26 invasive American Red-eared Slider, Trachemys scripta elegans, to the native Mediterranean pond turtle, Mauremys leprosa, in natural environments. Aquatic Invasions, 10: 79–91. Ng, P.K.A., O. Riordan, R.M., Ramsay, N.F. and L.M. Chou. (2005). Are Red- eared Sliders reproducing in Singapore? In 5th World Congress of Herpetology. Stellenbosch, South Africa, p. 77.

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Trachemys scripta elegans, a potential Rogers, H. S., Buhle, E.R., competitor of Emys orbicularis in Hillerislambers, J., Fricke, E.C, Miller, Latvia. Acta Universitatis Latviensis R.H. and J.J. Tewksbury. (2017). Biology, 723: 37–46. Effects of an invasive predator cascade to plants via mutualism disruption. Purkayastha, J., Bhattacharjee, R. and Nature Communications, 8:14557. S.C. Bohr. (2020). First Record of the Exotic Red-eared Slider, Trachemys Sandilyan, S. (2016). Occurrence of scripta elegans (Wied 1838) ornamental fishes: a looming danger (Emydidae) from Assam, India. IRCF for Inland fish diversity of India. Reptiles & Amphibia, 27(2):286-287. Current Science, 110 (11): 2099-2104. Ramsay, N.F., P.K.A, Ng, O’Riordan, Sandilyan, S., Meenakumari, B. and R.M. and L.M. Chou. (2007). The Red- C.R. Babu. (2018). Guidelines for eared Slider (Trachemys scripta prioritization of Invasive Alien Plants elegans) in Asia: A review, 161-174. In: of India for management. National Gherardi F (Ed), Biological invaders in Biodiversity Authority, Chennai. 55pp. inland waters: profiles, distribution, and threats. Springer, Dordrecht. Savidge, J. A. (1988). Food habits of Boiga irregularis, an introduced Ramkrishnan, P.S. (1991). Ecology of predator on Guam. Journal of Biological Invasion in the Tropics, Herpetology, 22:275–282. International Scientific Publication, New Delhi, 195pp. Scalera, R. (2006). Trachemys scripta. From: DAISIE (Delivering Alien Invasive Raddy, C.S. (2008). Catalogue of Species Inventories for Europe). < invasive alien flora of India. Life www.europe-aliens.org >. Science Journal, 5(2): 84-89. Singh, S., Horne, B.D. and R. Hudson. Reddy, U.S. (2016). < (2009). Indian Turtle Conservation http://www.deccanchronicle.com/lif Program: An overview:111-114. In: estyle/pets-and-nvironment/071116/ Vasudevan, K (Ed.). 2009. Freshwater red-eared-turtle-. > Turtles and Tortoises of India. ENVlS Bulletin: Wildlife and Protected Rhodin, A.G. J. and J.L. Carr. (2009). Areas, 12(1). Wildlife Institute of A quarter millennium of uses and India, Dehradun, India. pp.177. misuses of the turtle name Testudo scabra: identification of the type Shen, L., Shi, H., Wang, R., Liu, D. and specimens of T. scabra Linnaeus 1758 X. Pan. (2011). An Invasive Species (=Rhinoclemmys punctularia) and T. Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta thunberg in Schoepff 1792 (= elegans) Carrying Salmonella Trachemys scripta scripta). Zootaxa, 2226: 1-18. 27

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Pathogens in Hainan Island. Molecular Shi, H.T, Hoang, H., Hofmeyr, M.D, Pathogens (online), 2:28-32. Horne, B.D, Hudson, R, Juvik, J.O., Kiester, R.A, Koval, P., Le, M., Shi, H, Fan, Z., Yi, N.N and Z. Yuan. Lindeman, PV., Lovich, J.E., Luiselli, (2004). New Data on the Trade and L, McCormack, TEM, Meyer, J.A, Pa´ Captive Breeding of Turtles in Guangxi ez, V.P, Platt, K., Platt, H.G, Province, South China. Asiatic Pritchard, PCH, Quinn, HR, Herpetological Research, 10: 126-128. Roosenburg, WM, Seminoff, JA, Shaffer, HB, Spencer, R., Van Dyke, Shi, H., Parham, J.F., Fan, Z., Hong, JU, Vogt, R.C and A.D. Walde. (2020). M. and F. Yin. (2008). Evidence of Turtles and Tortoises Are in Trouble. massive scale of turtle farming in Current Biology, 30: R721–R735. China. Oryx, 42: 147–150. Telang, S. (2016). Turtle tidings. The Shine, R. (2010). The ecological Afternoon Despatch & Courier, impact of invasive cane toads (Bufo Mumbai, India. marinus) in Australia. Quarterly <http://www.afternoondc.in/city- Review of Biology, 85:253-291. news/turtle-tidings/article_173754.> Schoepff, J. D. (1792). Historia Telecky, T.M. (2001). United States Testudinum Iconibus Illustrata. import and export of live turtles and Erlangae: Ioannis Iacobi Palm, 136 pp. tortoises. Turtle and Tortoise [pp. 1–32]. Newsletter, 4: 8–13. Singh, V.J. (2015). Wildbuzz: Born not Turtle Taxonomy Working Group [Rhodin, A.G.J., Iverson, J.B., Bour, R. to be free. Hindustan Times, 31 May Fritz, U., Georges, A., Shaffer, H.B., and van Dijk, P.P.]. (2017). Turtles of 2015, New Delhi, India. the World: Annotated Checklist and Atlas of Taxonomy, Synonymy, <https://www.hindustantimes.com/c Distribution, and Conservation Status (8th Ed.). In: Rhodin, A.G.J., Iverson, handigarh/wildbuzz-born-not-to-be- J.B., van Dijk, P.P., Saumure, R.A., Buhlmann, K.A., Pritchard, P.C.H., free/storyoRWPyUJeAdckQ1JvoxgGIJ. and R.A. Mittermeier. (Eds.). Conservation Biology of Freshwater html> Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Stanford, C.B., Iverson, J.B., Rhodin, Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. A.G.J., van Dijk, P.P., Mittermeier, Chelonian Research Monographs, 7:1– A.R., Kuchling, G., Berry, K.H., 292. Bertolero, A., Bjorndal, K.A, Blanck, T.E.G, Buhlmann, K.A., Burke, R.L., 28 Congdon, J.D., Diagne, T., Edwards, T, Eisemberg, C.C., Ennen, J.R., Forero- Medina, G., Frankel, M., Fritz, U., Gallego-Garcıa, N., Georges, A., Gibbons, J.W, Gong, S., Goode, E.V.,

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Uetz, P., Freed, P. and J. Hošek. Wetlands of Central Gujarat State, (eds.). (2020). The Reptile Database, India. Reptile Rap, 17: 3-12. http://www.reptile-database.org. Vyas, R. (2019). Distribution of van Dijk, P. P., Harding, J. and G.A. Invasive Red-eared Sliders, Trachemys Hammerson. (2013). Trachemys scripta (Testudines: Emydidae) in the scripta. The IUCN Red List of Wetlands of Gujarat State, India. IRCF Threatened Species. Version 2014.1. Reptiles & Amphibia, 26(2): 145-150. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Accessed: 23 February 2020. Vyas, R. (2020). A Captive Study of Interactions between the Invasive Red- Verneau, O., Palacios C., Platt, T., eared Slider, Trachemys scripta Alday, M., Billard, E., Allienne, J.F., elegans (Wied 1838), and Native Indian Basso, C. and L.H. Du Preez (2011). Turtles. IRCF Reptiles & Amphibia, Invasive species threat: parasite 27(2):318-323. phylogenetics reveals patterns and processes of host-switching between Wang, J. H., Shi, S.H.U., Ma, K and C. non-native and native captive Li. (2013). Interspecific differences in freshwater turtles. Parasitology, 138: diet between introduced Red-eared 1778–1792. Sliders and native turtles in China. Asian Herpetological Research, 4:190– Vitousek, P. M., Mooney, H. A., 196. Lubchenco, J. and J.M. Metillo. (1997). Human domination of hearth’s Wied, M. Prinz zu. (1838). Reise in das ecosystems. Science, 277, 494–499. inner Nord- America in den Jahren doi:10.1126/science.277.5325.494 1832 bis 1834, erster Band. J. Vyas, R. (2015). Status of Ganges Soft- Hoelscher, Coblenz, 654 pp. shell Turtle Nilssonia gangetica amidst Deplorable Scenarios In Urban ZSI. (2017). National Conference on Works, A.J. and D.H. Olson. (2018) Status of Invasive alien species in Diets of Two Non-native Freshwater India, 14th & 15th December, K. Turtle Species (Trachemys scripta and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Pelodiscus sinensis) in Kawai Nui Botanical Survey of India, Ministry of Marsh, Hawaii. Journal of Environment & Climate Change, Herpetology, 52(4):444-452. Government of India. 21, December, Report. 35pp. 29

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Raju Vyas Fig. 5: An invasive non-native Red-eared Slider (T. scripta elegans) riding on the back of an adult Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) at Vishwamitri River, Vadodara. Dr. Raju Vyas is Based at Vadodara, Gujarat, India. His long-term research has focused on monitoring crocodiles and their habitat as well as issues of human-crocodile conflicts for more than 25 years. He has authored over 230 scientific publications and book on ‘Muggers of Vadodara’, and is widely recognized for his contributions to the herpetology in India. Dr. Vyas is the Regional Vice Chair of the IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group (South Asia and Iran), and also a member of IUCN/SSC’s South Asian Amphibian and Reptile Specialist Group, Conservation Planning Specialist Group, Boa and Python Specialist Group, Viper Specialist Group and Reintroduction Specialist Group. 30

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Chambal- A Paradise Where Land Meets Water Priyanka Justa Email: [email protected] Rajat Rastogi Chambal: an exquisite semi-arid landscape On the beautiful morning of the internationally important (Bowman, 2002). second day of February 2016, I was standing on the shore of river Chambal in After getting to know about the Morena, M.P. along with my batch mates significance of the day and the wetlands, and faculty members from Wildlife I was curious to see what river Chambal Institute of India(WII). Coincidentally, we had to offer. Eagerly, our teams got into had started our wetlands tour on the motorboats and we moved upstream World Wetlands Day-2016, which marked towards the Vindhya Range - highlands the adoption of the Convention on from where the river originates. Around Wetlands in 1971 in the Iranian city of 1000 km long, the river snakes its way Ramsar situated on the shores of the through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Caspian Sea. The Convention provides a Rajasthan before finally meeting the framework for conservation and Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh (Jain, et al. sustainable use of wetlands, an important 2007). It cuts through an implausible maze component of which includes developing a of entwining cliffs of semi-arid hills global network of wetlands that are (Hussain, 1999) with characteristic ravine 31

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 and thorn scrub vegetation (Champion & threatened faunal species still survive. It Seth, 1968) forming sandy beaches along hosts the most viable breeding its way. populations of the Critically Endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and Red- River Chambal remains one of the crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur last remnants in the greater Gangetic kachuga). It is also among the most drainage basin retaining significant important strongholds of the Deccan conservation values. For the continued Mahaseer (Tor khudree), Putitor Mahaseer protection of this wetland ecosystem, the (Tor putitora), Narrow-headed Softshell three states sharing the river basin Turtle (Chitra indica), Three-striped established a tri-state Protected Area – Roofed Turtle (Batagur dhongoka), Indian National Chambal Sanctuary (hereafter, Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis), Black- NCS) between 1978 and 1983 (Hussain & bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda), Sarus Badola, 2001). Abode to 147 fish, 56 Crane (Antigone antigone) and Gangetic reptile, 308 bird, and 60 mammal species, River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) (Nair the NCS is among the most significant & Krishna, 2013). habitats where several globally Rajat Rastogi A nesting colony of Indian Skimmer at National Chambal Sanctuary While onboard, our team had happy mighty Himalayas; a Ruddy Shelduck encounters with many birds. A Great Egret (Tadorna ferruginea) swimming gracefully (Ardea alba) standing still while watching along with ITS mate; a Pied Kingfisher for unsuspecting prey to pass by; a gaggle (Ceryle rudis) hovering over the water of Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) that with its bill downward focused on a fish it must have come here after crossing the must have spotted and a flock of Eurasian 32

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia) busy Further, on the boat, we were preening themselves. All of us were exhilarated to see the Ganges river thrilled when our boat passed by a noisy dolphin (Platanista gangetica), while it colony of the Indian Skimmer (Rynchops surfaced to breathe. Eliminated from albicollis), one of the prominent wetland much of its historic range, this keystone birds visiting this river, otherwise limited species finds a haven in the waters of to a handful of nesting colonies (Das, Chambal (Singh, 2012). It is a reliable 2015). The river provides perennial indicator of the health of a river wetland habitat for a range of wintering ecosystem and was declared the national aquatic birds as it lies on their migratory aquatic animal in 2009 (Mallick, 2010). route (Meshram, 2010). Sheltering many From the boat, we also saw few turtle threatened and restricted-range bird species and Marsh crocodiles/Muggers species, the NCS is considered an (Crocodylus palustris) basking in their Important Bird and Biodiversity Area or respective niches. All of us were IBA (Islam & Rahmani, 2004). In fact, in particularly delighted to see Gharial the two days we spent around NCS, we (Gavialis gangeticus) – the luminary of came across a whopping 83 bird species! Chambal, resting along the river. Rajat Rastogi Gharials and Muggers basking along the river in CWS 33

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Besides enjoying the beauty of the conservation action (Western et al., wetland, we learned about the census 2009). Such was the case when the Gharial techniques used to count waterbirds, population, once widely distributed in gharials, and dolphins. Whatis the purpose large northern rivers dramatically of counting them? Numbers and declined by the mid-1970s. It was then distribution of wildlife populations are that a captive breeding program was required for proper planning, initiated (in 1975), which involved implementation and evaluation of reintroduction of the captive-reared conservation programmes. This is crocodiles into newly created protected especially true for the species under wetlands. By 1995, the population of escalated threat from various Gharial was made secure in wilderness anthropogenic pressures. News about the with around 1200 Gharials in the Chambal decline in numbers of species raises River within the NCS (Hussain, 1999). concern and often calls for specific Rajat Rastogi A captive Gharial at Deori Gharial Rehabilitation Centre To witness the Gharial conservation (Meshram, 2010). We got a glimpse of the programme in action, we visited Deori, entire process of the breeding program Morena the following day. Deori has been from incubation of the eggs to the rearing designated as Gharial Rehabilitation of the hatchlings and final release in the Centre (DGRC) where artificial hatching wild. Owing to these conservation efforts, and rearing of Gharials is carried out the Chambal river system now harbours 34

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 85% of the entire Gharial population Sadly, the increasing human (Hussain, 2009). Along with Gharials, the population poses a challenge for the river Centre helps breed and rehabilitate to remain untouched from various tortoises, turtles, and marsh crocodile anthropogenic pressures. In recent years, and therefore we got a sneak peek into some stretches have been severely their captive breeding programs as well. I affected by sewage and industrial wastes ended my day with a walk along the river (Singh & Rao, 2017). Sand mining is a bank sinking in the beauty of the major threat to the breeding grounds of landscape and wishing that the area Gharials, Muggers, turtles, and island remains protected and continues to be birds of the river (Meshram, 2010). The support the flora and fauna it nurtures! danger is worsened by damming of the river and irrigation projects upstream, River Chambal is considered one of which obstructs the deposition of new the country's most beautiful and least sediment needed for nesting and basking. polluted river systems (Singh & Rao, Riverside cultivation by encroaching on 2017). Ironically, it is the river’s the Chambal ravines shrinks wildlife “unholiness” attributed to some ancient habitat and causes secondary disruptions folklore and legends that have helped due to uncontrolled water extraction and preserve it. According to one such water pollution due to the use of agro- folklore, the dice game mentioned in the chemicals. Demand for turtles in the Mahabharata that Pandav’s lost to their lower Gangetic plains and further east cousins- the Kauravs was played on the beyond India’s borders result in poaching banks of this river. Known as and illegal trade, affecting their Charmanyavati, the river then was a part populations directly (Nair, 2017). Illegal of Shakuni’s kingdom. The river became fishing on commercial scales reduces the witness to the disrobing and humiliation of availability of chief prey in the sanctuary, Draupadi and hence was cursed by the plus the use of fishing nets often leads to queen (Rajras, 2021). Stories like these entanglement and mortality of species along with dacoits and bandits who took like Gharial (Hussain, 2009; Meshram, shelter here as also declaration of a 2010). Animals that nest on the sandy wildlife sanctuary gave the river and its beaches faces the threat of predation and wildlife a buffer against negative impacts damage by domestic & feral animals like of human activities to some extent dogs (Sundar, 2004). Stone quarrying, (Chambal Safari, 2021). 35

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 cattle movement, and grazing and weed these challenges are enhanced by the lack infestation are some other challenges of staff and lack of inter-state faced by the wetland (Nair, 2009). All coordination (Nair, 2017). Rajat Rastogi Sand miners around the Chambal It is time for urgent actions. there participation of local people. Strict should be a complete ban on all implementation of the Wildlife commercial activities within the limits of (Protection) Act (1972), which mandates the sanctuary. River encroachment should Environmental Impact Assessment of all be stopped and agriculture should be development projects close to protected regularized to extend protection to the areas, may save this important river habitat. Anti-poaching measures (Singh, system from getting damaged (Singh, 1985), ravine reclamation work with the 2017). The future of river Chambal planting of native vegetation must be depends upon the cooperation between taken up on priority (Nair, 2009). all the stakeholders. We must understand Considering the ecological importance of that wetlands like Chambal constitute the the keystone species, their population ecosystem on which all life on our planet should be regularly monitored (Nair et al, depends the most. Any threat to 2012). Conservation success of this unique ecosystems like these can ultimately ecosystem will depend on awareness, translate to a threat to our own species. education, eco-development, and the 36

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Acknowledgments Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp and T. Inskipp I place on record, my sincere gratitude to (2016). Birds of the Indian Subcontinent: the Wildlife Institute of India for enriching India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, my interest in wildlife science. I am Bangladesh and the Maldives. Bloomsbury grateful to Dr. Gopi, Dr. Hussain and Dr. Publishing. Gautam for enlightening us with their valuable knowledge during this tour. I Hussain, S. A. (1999). Reproductive thank Rajat for sharing the photographs success, hatchling survival and rate of for this article. My heartfelt thanks and increase of gharial Gavialis gangeticus in appreciation go to my batch mates for National Chambal Sanctuary, India. providing their unfailing support since my Biological conservation, 87(2): 261-268. days at WII. Hussain, S. A. and R. Badola (2001, References August). Integrated conservation planning for Chambal River basin. In National Bowman, M. (2002). The Ramsar Workshop on Regional Planning for Convention on wetlands: has it made a Wildlife Protected Areas. India Habitat difference. Yearbook of International Co- Centre, New Delhi, Wildlife Institute of operation on Environment and India, DehraDun. pp. 1-20. Development 2002/03, 61-68. Hussain, S. A. (2009). Basking site and Chambal Safari (2021). water depth selection by gharial Gavialis gangeticus Gmelin 1789 (Crocodylia, https://www.chambalsafari.com/history. Reptilia) in National Chambal Sanctuary, India and its implication for river php. Retrieved 12 January 2021 conservation. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 19(2): Champion, H. G. and S. K. Seth (1968). A 127-133. revised survey of the forest types of India. Govt. India Publication, Delhi. Islam, M.Z. and A.R. Rahmani (2004). Important Bird Areas in India: Priority Das, D. K. (2015). Breeding status of Sites for Conservation. Indian Bird Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis in the National Chambal Sanctuary, India. Indian 37 Birds, 10(2): 53-54.

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Conservation Network: Bombay Natural crocodilian. Journal of Applied Ecology, History Society and BirdLife International 49(5): 1046-1054. (UK), xviii+1133pp. Nair, T., and Y.C. Krishna (2013). Jain, S. K., P. K. Agarwal and V.P. Singh Vertebrate fauna of the Chambal River (2007). Hydrology and water resources of basin, with emphasis on the National India (Vol. 57). Springer Science & Chambal Sanctuary, India. Journal of Business Media. Threatened Taxa, 5(2): 3620-3641. Mallick, J. K. (2010). New national aquatic Nair, T. (2017). Of Government, God and animal, Ganges dolphin, 2010. West Gharial: The Ecological Pogrom in Bengal, 42: 27-31. Chambal’s Badlands. The Wire. Meshram, P. K. (2010). Diversity of some Rajras (2021). Chambal River: Origin, fauna in National Chambal Sanctuary in Tributaries, Basin, Dams and Concerns Madhya Pradesh, India. Biodiversitas ttps://www.rajras.in/rajasthan/rivers/ Journal of Biological Diversity, 11(4). Chambal/ Retrieved 12 January 2021 Nair, A. K. (2009). The status and Singh LAK (1985). Gharial Population Trend in National Chambal Sanctuary with distribution of major aquatic fauna in the notes on radio-tracking. Study Report Dec. 1985. Crocodile Research Centre, National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary in Wildlife Institute of India, Hyderabad. Rajasthan with special reference to the Singh, H., and R. J. Rao (2012). Sighting frequency and group composition of the Gangetic Dolphin Platanista gangetica Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) in the National gangetica (Cetartiodactyla: Chambal Sanctuary, India. ZOOS’Print, 27: 18-23. Platanistidae). Journal of Threatened Taxa, 141-146. Nair, T., J. B. Thorbjarnarson, P. Aust, and J Krishnaswamy (2012). Rigorous gharial population estimation in the Chambal: implications for conservation and management of a globally threatened 38

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Singh, H., and R. J. Rao (2017). Status, Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India. Forktail, threats and conservation challenges to 20: 89-90. key aquatic fauna (Crocodile and Dolphin) in National Chambal Sanctuary, India. Western, D., S. Russell, and I. Cuthill Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, (2009). The status of wildlife in protected 20(1-2): 59-70. areas compared to non-protected areas of Kenya. Plos one, 4(7), e6140. Sundar, K. G. (2004). Observations on breeding Indian Skimmers Rynchops albicollis in the National Chambal About the Author Priyanka Justa is a nature enthusiast whose varied interests revolve around primates, mountain ecology, wildlife conservation and management. She has done her master’s in Wildlife Science from Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun where she got an opportunity to travel to a range of protected areas covering various bio- geographic zones in the country. This article shares her experiences about one such trip that was part of her Wetlands and National Park tour. 39

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Are Our Ancient Man-made Wetlands Meant for Non-Ecofriendly Idol Immersion? Sarika1 and Hardik Manek 1Email: [email protected] Man-made waterbodies in urban, suburban and rural areas had been vital socio- economic hubs in ancient India Many man-made wetlands in village corporations or by rich men or rulers for entire communities. Some rural, suburban and urban areas of big villages had multiple waterbodies. India were developed primarily for Water from these sources is tackling the water crisis by ensuring extensively used for irrigation, convenient, clean and regular water drinking other domestic works as well supply to the surrounding areas. They as for cattle and bathing even today. were often owned by village These artificial wetlands have been communities though they were built by 40

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 supporting a wide variety of organisms Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrin) too. They include amphibians, aquatic and Rohu (Labeo rohita). plants and invertebrates and few mammals. A well-conserved village or With changing lifestyle of man, suburban pond can have a variety of rapid urbanization, lack of native plants that provides food, maintenance, prolonged negligence oxygen and shelter to the organisms. with respect to water management One of the interesting facts is that policies, a large number of man-made ecological communities of such ponds waterbodies (including 80-85% kunds) often vary from each other even if they have silted up over many years. An are closely located as water apathy towards the traditional water transparency, turbidity, suspended management system based on ancient and dissolved solids, nutrients etc. waterbodies, which sustained man and may vary, and in turn, can influence other flora-fauna for ages, have been pond communities. Few common and one of the main causes of today’s easily visible organisms of such water crisis in many parts of the wetlands include frogs like Skittering country. There had been a plethora of Frog and the Indian Bullfrog, kunds (sort of tanks) functioning as the waterbirds like egrets, herons, sources of fresh water during earlier cormorants, shorebirds, ducks etc. and times have been relegated on the fish. They feed on flies, slugs, worms, verge of extinction. Despite their algae and some plants occurring in religious significance for millions of these ponds. Most common fish devotees, nobody ever made strong species associated with ponds are attempts to change their bleak Indian Carp (Cyprinus catla), Grass scenario. This is indeed an example of Carp (Ctenopharyngodon sp.), Silver human selfishness and indifference. Deterioration of a wetland 41

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Traditional and Modern Practices animals of various regions. These The worship of deities’ idols is waterbodies play a vital role in being practiced over hundreds of thousands of years in this country. maintaining ecological and Immersion of idols in ponds and lakes has remained an important aspect. But hydrological cycles and act as the main with modernization, the whole process of idol making has shifted from value- source for groundwater recharging and based eco-friendly task to the money- making non-ecofriendly business. This livestock management practices. So involves use of cheap harmful raw materials instead of traditionally used these regional animals and livestock eco-friendly ones. The traditional waterbodies built by our ancestors can remain important sources of food and be extremely beneficial, especially in this current Anthropocene era as they income for families in the rural and act as water management resources. India is endowed with diverse semi-urban areas, their continued traditional waterbodies around the country; commonly known as “kund”, survival and health is a matter of grave “talaav”, “sarovar”, “Jhhohd” etc. These waterbodies constitute an concern. However, in the rural and important source for many plants and semi-urban areas regional animals and livestock rely for food source and income on these water bodies, their extant and restoration is a matter of severe concern. The maintenance of these watersheds is essential as they serve as vital organs - not less important than the kidneys - for the ecosystem enabling sustainable livelihood and survival of the same. 42

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 In the recent ‘World Water Even in the rural and semi-urban areas, Development Report’ by UNESCO, clean sources of water are depleting at India is among the top countries that a faster rate. Activities like idol are decimating the groundwater immersion using non-biodegradable resource. The groundwater is polluting materials in recent years recharged through lentic water bodies have badly hampered the purity and like ponds and lakes. After the cleanliness of watersheds. Unlike the milestone verdict of honorable current times, our ancestors used to Allahabad High Court, National Green build idols with eco-friendly materials Tribunal (NGT) has banned all the and sustainable elements. Even in immersion activities in every river and household uses, all of these its tributaries which have led to environment-friendly techniques and increased pollution pressure on lentic traditions are now slowly giving way to water bodies. In modern times, the more pollution enabling cheaper causes of water pollution are ever- methods and products that are increasing, from dumping waste to depleting the ecosystem gradually but hazardous chemicals and so forth. The steadily. Water scarcity is the biggest cleanliness of waterbodies still is an apprehension of the current world and issue. Consequently, the lives of man it is expected that by 2050 this fear and animals have suffered manifold. will be realized. Waste debris extracted from a lake after four days of idol immersion 43

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 With the rapid change in lifestyle and the pressure on water bodies. In the modernization, families preferred current Anthropocene era, climate nuclear living which in turn results in change and pollution have already put more idols as compared to earlier too much survival pressure on these times when only one idol was used per water bodies. We should revive these society. Such practices should again be water bodies for their sustenance and brought back into society to reduce healthy existence. Conclusion We tried to depict a brief and its impacts on these ancient water overview of how ancient man-made bodies. Thus, the time to act and to wetlands with wide catchment areas save such wetlands is now. Just as any are degrading with every passing hour. animal cannot survive without its vital The aim was to create a sensitive organs, life on earth is unimaginable corner and awareness regarding non- without the wetlands either man-made ecofriendly idol immersion practice or natural. . About the Authors Miss Sarika, currently pursing M.Phil. in Environmental Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University. She is an Environmentalist working as Climate Reality Leader and Climate Story Ambassador. Mr. Hardik Y Manek has done M.tech in Biotechnology. He is passionate about conservation of nature and understanding its mysteries. 44

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Unseasonal Nesting of Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) in Jawla Wetland of Vadodara District Anika Tere1, Ravi Kelkar & Rushali Narvekar 1Email:[email protected] Introduction Borad et al., 2001; Borad et al., 2002; Archibald et al., 2003; Gole 2003; Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) is Kathju, 2007; Sundar, 2009). Nest site selection involves the specific choice of the tallest flying bird of world and a site to build a nest and it usually India. It is a wetland bird adapted to occurs just prior to egg laying (Cody, agricultural fields (Ali & Ripley, 1983; 1985). Gole, 1987; Parasharya et al., 1989; Study Area Mukherjee et al., 1998; Ganpule, 2020). It is the only resident breeding Jawla pond (22o 33' 21\" N to 22o crane species in India and Gujarat is a 33’ 25\" N and 73o 14' 22\" E to 73o 14' 28\" stronghold state and ranked third most E) is located in Savli Tehsil of Vadodara important State of the global Sarus district in Gujarat state. It is situated 1 Crane population (Singh & Tatu, 2000; km southwest of Savli town, east of Tatu et al. 2013, Sundar 2019, BirdLife Jawla village and 32 km north to International, 2021). It is a Vulnerable Vadodara (Map 1). It is spread over species according to IUCN’s “Red List of about 0.78 sq.km. and surrounded by Threatened Species”. It is protected agricultural fields (Rathod & Padate, under Schedule IV of the Wildlife 2008; Patel et al. 2017). It has a semi- (Protection) Act, 1972 (Nanda, 2006; arid climate with three distinct seasons BirdLife International, 2021). The viz. summer, monsoon and winter. As breeding season of Sarus Crane per the information of world weather coincides with the south-west monsoon online, the average minimum and in India. It makes large nests of aquatic maximum temperature in this region is vegetation amidst wetlands and also in 160C and 300C respectively. The pond agricultural fields (Ali & Ripley, 1983; gets inundated by rain and Narmada Parashrya et al., 1989; Ramachandran & Vijayan, 1994; Mukherjee, 2000; 45

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 canal. After the operationalisation of tall vegetation, the nest could not be Narmada canal, it sustains water during located and nesting activity could not the summer season too. be noticed. The pond was visited on Material and Methods April 3, 2021 and two very small chicks with parents were suspected on the The pond was visited every rear side of the pond while observing month from January 2021. The through the binoculars. However, the observations of birds were made using photographic evidence could not be pairs of binoculars (10X50) by standing taken as the chicks were very small in on the bund bordering the pond. size and more than 500m away from Photographs were taken by using a the site of observation merging with DSLR and bridge cameras. Water spread vegetation. On April 24, 2021, the area/ water level of the pond and evidences of presence of chicks were vegetation within pond and its collected through the cameras as the surrounding were noted by visual chicks had grown up and in front of observations. Local inquiries were vegetation (Photo 1). They were made to understand occurrence of covered by brown plumage. The entire Sarus, inundation of pond and cropping family was again spotted during 1st May pattern in the surrounding areas. The 2021 (Photo 2). The water level has official website weather online was reduced compared to January month. It followed to get meteorological data was shallow with 30-40% water spread such as total precipitation, duration of area during May month. precipitation etc. of the nearest town, viz. Savli. Local inquiries revealed that the Observations pond never dries up totally after operationalisation of Narmada canal. A pair of Sarus was spotted in However, the water level gets reduced the cattails (Typha domingensis) in summer. Wheat is grown in January surrounding the pond on 3rd January and harvested in the months of April- 2021. The pond was revisited on May in areas surrounding the pond. February 27, 2021 and a single bird was Eucalyptus sp., Castor and Cotton are seen within the pond amid the Typha other winter crops which extend up to growth. As the bird was surrounded by 46

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 summer. On the onset of monsoon, the availability of water, nesting paddy is grown in place of wheat crops. vegetation and paddy crops in The average annual rainfall of the surrounding fields determine the late nearest town Savli during the year 2019 breeding of Sarus. He also explains the was 319.93mm extended over 82 days possibility of Sarus to breed throughout from July to September, with maximum the year if supporting factors remain precipitation in July followed by August favourable (comments to Teli et al. and September 2019. 2013). Extended rainfall beyond the Discussion normal period is also considered to cause late nesting in Sarus (Sundar et Sarus Cranes breed during al., 2018). monsoon season (from June to September) in India. However, some of In the present study, the pair the pairs are also reported breeding was observed displaying in late during post monsoon to winter season December 2020 by one of the author i.e. in January- February (Walkinshaw, (RK). Sarus incubates the eggs for 1973; Ramchandran & Vijayan, 1994; about 31 days (Mukherjee et al., 2000). Sundar & Chaudhary, 2003; Teli et al., Sarus Cranes are precocial and the 2013; Sundar, 2019). According to chicks walk away from nests 1–3 days Hume and Oates (1889) few pairs breed after hatching but remained in natal as late as November. Hypotheses are territories for 151–358 days (Sundar & made for various factors to support late Choudhury, 2008). Looking to the size nesting behaviour of Sarus. In wetlands of the chicks in April 2021, it is with high nutrients and favourable presumed here, that the pair might conditions throughout the year, the have started nesting in February 2021. Sarus are believed to nest multiple The Jawla pond gets inundated with times or the opportunistic pair can rain as well as by Narmada canal. attempt nesting (Teli et al., 2013). Hence, the water level is thought to be According to Sundar (2019) a small suitable for the pair to nest in February proportion of pairs that failed to raised compared to high level in the monsoon chicks in regular nesting season nest in months. The crop in surrounding fields early summer. According to Kathju was wheat and not paddy during the 47

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 entire nesting period. It seems that the Archibald, G. W., K. S. G. Sundar and D. shallow water and aquatic vegetation J. Barzen (2003). A review of the three within the pond were important factors subspecies of Sarus Cranes (Grus to support the nesting of Sarus in antigone). Journal of Ecological Society winter season. Availability of food in 16:5–15. the pond to raise chicks is another factor. However, a detailed and BirdLife International (2021). Species prolonged study is required to factsheet: Grus antigone. Downloaded understand various factors supporting from http://www.birdlife.org on nesting of Sarus outside their breeding 20/05/2021. season. Acknowledgments Ganpule, P. (2020). A checklist of birds of Gujarat. Bird Conservation Society, We thank Dr. Dishant Parasharya Gujarat, Ahmedabad. and Dr. Gopi Sundar for providing the necessary literature on Sarus Cranes. Gole, P. (1989). The status and We are grateful to Mr. Aakash Parmar ecological requirements of sarus crane. of Jawla village for his help to gather Phase I. Pune, India: Ecological Society. information on crops in the area pp: 45. surrounding Jawla pond. We thank Ms. Abha Takhor for her help in studying Kathju, K. (2007). Observations of pond flora. The first author is thankful unusual clutch size, renesting and egg to Mr. Sagar Tere for his help in fields concealment by Sarus Cranes Grus while collecting data. antigone in Gujarat, India. Forktail 23: References 165– 167. Ali S. and S. D. Ripley (1983). Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. Oxford Mukherjee, A., C. K. Borad and B. M. University Press, Bombay. Parasharya (2002). Breeding performance of the Indian Sarus Crane in the Ali, S. and S. D. Ripley (1969). Handbook agricultural landscape of western India. of the birds of India and Pakistan. Vol.2 Biological Conservation 105:263– 269 Bombay, India: Oxford University Press. 48

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Mukherjee, A. (1999). Ecological study on Rathod, J. and G. Padate (2008). A the Indian Sarus Crane Grus antigone Comparative Study of Avifauna of A Sub- antigone in the central Gujarat. Urban Wetland and an Irrigation Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Gujarat, Reserviour of Savli Taluka, District India. Vadodara. Proceedings of Taal2007: The 12th World Lake Conference: 537-541 Nanda, A. (2006). The wild life protection act, 1972 and the wild life Singh, H. S. and K. Tatu (2000). A study protection rules, 1995. Current of Indian Sarus Crane (Grus antigone Publication, Mumbai, India. Pp.112. antigone) in Gujarat State with emphasis on its status in Kheda and Ahmedabad Parasharya, B.M., K.L. Mathew and D.N. districts [Report of a study conducted Yadav (1989). Status and Habitat from 1997 to 1999. Gujarat Ecological Preference of Indian Sarus Crane in Education and Research (GEER) Gujarat, India. Paper presented in the Foundation, Gandhinagar, p74. Asian Crane Congress at Rajkot, Gujarat, India. Sundar, K. S. G., J. Kaur and B.C. Patel, C., N. Gandhi and G. Padate Choudhury (2000). Distribution, (2017). Annual and seasonal variations in hydrochemistry and nutrient dynamics of demography and conservation status of two irrigation reservoirs of central Gujarat, India. International Research the Indian Sarus Crane (Grus antigone Journal of Environmental Science. 6(5): 17-26 antigone) in India. Journal of Bombay Ramachandran, N.K. and V. S. Vijayan Natural History Society 97:319–339. (1994). \"Distribution and general ecology of the Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) in Sundar, K. S. G. and B. C. Choudhury Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, (2003). \"The Indian Sarus Crane Grus a. Rajasthan\". Journal of the Bombay antigone: a literature review\". Journal of Natural History Society. 91 (2): 211–223. Ecological Society. 16: 16–41. Sundar, K. S. G. and B. C. Choudhury (2008). Impact of land use change on the ecology and habitat of the Sarus Crane (Grus antigone antigone) in the Indo- 49

Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.1, Feb.-Mar. 2021 Gangetic flood plains. Part II. Uttar inter-regional comparison of sarus crane Pradesh. Final report. Wildlife Institute population in gujarat (india) between of India, Dehradun, India. 2001 and 2010. Jalplavit- A Special Issue on Wetland Biodiversity Research (With Sundar, K.S. G., Y. Mohammed, K. Emphasis on Gujarat, India), 4(3):16-22. Kathju, K. (2018). \"The role of artificial Teli J., B. Patel and D. Parasharya (2013). Opportunistic Breeding Behaviour habitats and rainfall patterns in the of Indian Sarus Crane Grus antigone antigone (Linn.) at a Man-made Wetland unseasonal nesting of Sarus Cranes in Anand District, Gujarat, India. Jalaplavit- A Special Issue on Wetland (Antigone antigone) in South Biodiversity Research (With Emphasis on Gujarat, India), 4(3): 66-73. Asia\". Waterbirds. 41 (1): 81– Worldweather online.com/Savli.weather- 86. doi:10.1675/063.041.0111 average/Gujarat/in.aspx Sundar, K. S. G. (2019). Species Review: Sarus Crane Grus antigone. Crane Conservation Strategy Publisher. International crane Foundation, Baraboo, WI, USA. Tatu, K., B. Pathak, S. Munjapara, V. Vyas, I. Theba and C. N, Pandey (2013) 50